[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 39 (Monday, March 18, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JUDGE JOE CHRIST

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, with a heavy heart, I rise today to say a 
few words about a wonderful, talented public servant who unexpectedly 
passed away recently.
  Joseph Christ was a longtime prosecutor in St. Clair County, IL, home 
of the city that I grew up in, East St. Louis.
  In his almost 20 years as an assistant State's attorney, he worked 
hard to keep criminals off our streets and help victims' families find 
justice.
  Then, just two weeks ago, he was sworn in as an Associate Judge on 
Illinois' 20th Circuit and began his new journey.
  His colleagues from the prosecutor's office said great things about 
his time there and what a great judge he would make.
  But the next weekend, while on an out-of-town trip a few days after 
being sworn in, he passed away from natural--though certainly 
unexpected--causes.
  We will never know all the good things he would have accomplished as 
judge, but we can reflect on the good he did while he was with us.
  Surely his record indicates that he would have accomplished many more 
good deeds in the years to come.
  He was taken from his wife and children too soon. They are in my 
thoughts and prayers.

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